00:00:00 - Introduction
- Attorney Mike Cardoza introduces himself as a California identity theft attorney.
- He addresses one of the most frequently asked questions: "Do I need an identity theft attorney near me?"
00:00:10 - Answer to the Question
- Short Answer: Yes, but not necessarily in your hometown.
- You need an identity theft attorney in your jurisdiction—for example, a California resident needs a California-licensed attorney.
00:00:30 - Importance of a Jurisdiction-Specific Attorney
- California has additional identity theft protection laws, including:
- California Identity Theft Act
- Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act
- Rosenthal Debt Collection Practices Act
- State-specific laws provide additional legal leverage beyond federal protections.
00:01:00 - Benefits of a California Identity Theft Attorney
- Unique Legal Provisions:
- Special procedures for seniors (65+), veterans, and disabled individuals to claim triple damages.
- Familiarity with Judges and Procedures:
- A local attorney understands how much to claim based on case value differences across jurisdictions.
00:01:30 - Do You Need a Lawyer in Your Hometown?
- No, you don’t. The reason:
- California laws are uniform across the state.
- Only four federal districts exist, making it easy for lawyers to handle cases statewide.
- Most legal processes are done via Zoom, email, and text.
- 99% of cases settle without a physical court appearance.
00:02:00 - Legal Process and What to Expect
- If financial institutions refuse to acknowledge identity theft, lawsuits are often necessary.
- Identity theft cases typically take one to 1.5 years to resolve.
- Companies will fight back, requiring persistence and legal action.
00:02:40 - Final Answer to the Question
- Yes, you need an identity theft attorney in your state or jurisdiction.
- No, they don’t need to be in your city, as most cases are handled remotely.
00:03:00 - Closing Remarks
- Identity theft legal battles are often lengthy, but experienced attorneys handle everything remotely.
